The Premise: I would like to make video memoirs for people. 'People' meaning grandparents, parents, singles, anyone! This would be something they can give to their famlies that would serve as a visual and audio reminder of their heritage. And because of it's digital nature (DVD, online, an MP3 audio file, etc...) it will last for generations.

How it's Done: I will interview the subject on camera, asking the person or persons questions about their lives (where they're from, who their parents/grandparents were/are, growing up, finding love, having a family, etc...) and having them share stories, lessons and philosophies that they would like their posterity to know and remember about them. I will also scan family photos (if not done already) and digitize family home movies (whenever possible) that will be edited into the video to create an overview of the persons life.

What you get: A personalized 30-45 minute documentary of your life that you can share with family and friends. To share it you will receive: as many DVD copies that you require, an online, private link that you can send to relatives all over the world, a digital copy of any photos and video that are created for the project, an (optional) audio only version of the interview that can be played on any digital device.

What it will Cost: Roughly two hours of your day for the interview and the editing time. The cost for a basic video, which means all (or most) photos and video are already digital and easy for me to put in, will be $300. For a deluxe video, which means scanning and digitizing photos and video need to be done, it will be $400. If the video isn't something you want, but would like your photos and video digitized, I can definitely do that! The price for that service will depend on the volume of photos/video you want done, or $150 for everything you have.

I don't live in Penticton. Can I have one made? I'm working during the week, but I can absolutely travel to you on weekends (by car--too much equipment to fly with). Travel expenses can be negotiated on a case by case basis.

So that, in a nutshell is the idea. I will be making one with my parents as a test piece soon, and I will also offer the first four people to contact me a special price of $200 for the deluxe video, just so I can have some more practice. If you have any interest in having me work on something like this for you, please leave a comment below or on Facebook, or email me at adamviklund@hotmail.com.

I guess you've been wondering where I've been for the past few months. Well, let me fill you in...

On November 20th, I was walking home from work when I caught a whiff of smoke on the air. Not thinking much of it, I continued my merry jaunt to my apartment. But as I got closer I could see a lot of lights around my place. That was these guys:

I thought, "Gee, those lights seem awfully close to my building." Then I got closer and saw this:

I didn't catch it on camera, but there were flames bursting forth from within the charred ruins of the unit.

That unit is three units directly above mine.

As I watched the deluge of water from the fire hoses splash across the side of the building, all I could think of was, "Crud".

When I was eventually let in the building, my fears were confirmed. Water was dripping through the ceiling in many spots. Luckily, aside from my bed and a few posters, my possessions were unharmed. So I grabbed a few things and spent the next few nights at my parents place.

Then, unbeknownst to me, this...

I found out a few days later. On the same day as the fire, my friend, mentor and past boss, Phil Basil, passed away in California. He was one of the men who got me through the teenage years and I deeply respect and miss him. Thanks for everything, Phil...

Well, that's enough, right? Nope:

An uber dumping of heavy, WET snow... which then proceeded to melt extremely fast the next day, thus causing a torrent of water to flow through the already damaged building. I went in the next day and water was LITERALLY pouring through my sliding door frame.

Sigh...

So I grabbed a bunch more of my stuff and prepared for a much longer stay at my folks place.

And that's pretty much where I'm at right now. The reason I haven't updated in so long is because my parents don't have internet at the house, so updates will be sporatic for a while. Last I heard I could possibly be back in the apartment by April, so here's hoping...

Since I AM updating, here's a few shots I've taken since the fire:

My friend, Kristina, wanted to learn about taking pictures, so I went over at barfed all my knowledge into her brain. I don't know how much stuck but she's borrowing my old 60D (oh yeah, I bought a 70D the day before the fire) to learn on.

Christmas time!

On January 4th, 2015, Penticton had the biggest snowfall since the early 80's. It snowed most of Sunday and Monday, leaving a good 15" or more of soft, fluffy snow, beautifully blanketing the city.

I didn't drive to work for a few days...

That same week, my boss was let go, leaving me the only employee at the old Penmar theatre. My wages are subsidised through the end of March, but after that... well, let's just say that I'm not sure what will happen. So if you're reading this and you want to support getting a local, not-for-profit, charitable theatre off the ground, go to www.penmar.ca. Tell your friends, tell your rich relatives, tell EVERYONE YOU KNOW and help SAVE MY JOB!!! (and create a great theatre whle you're at it!)

Thank you!

I guess that's about it for now. I hope you enjoyed the update and I'll catch you on the next one!